Canal+ considers Ligue 1 return but sets financial conditions

Canal+ could return to Ligue 1 from 2027 onwards, but only if economic conditions justify it. This is what Maxime Saada, chairman of the group’s management board, declared during a press conference.

For the first time since 1984, Canal+ subscribers can no longer follow the French championship this season. The encrypted channel, which also distributed beIN Sports — holder of one match per matchday last season — was ousted in favour of Ligue 1+, the platform owned by the LFP, now the sole broadcaster of the top flight.

This situation concerns the clubs. While Ligue 1+ editorial coverage is praised, the number of subscriptions and revenue generated are plateauing. The Professional Football League has therefore decided to launch a new call for tenders for TV rights for the 2027-2032 period, with the consultation beginning on November 3.

When asked about a possible Canal+ participation in this call for tenders, Maxime Saada replied bluntly: “I think we will see when the time comes, we will assess the situation. But what I can tell you is that we will not put money in if we think we cannot get it back. It cannot be an expense without profits.”

The executive clarified his group’s position: “If we do something in this area, it must be profitable. We are in a position where we don’t really need these rights, so we will consider them as an opportunity, then we will examine the conditions and the market situation.”

Canal+ will not be alone in the race. RMC Sport, Prime Video, Netflix and Apple are among the players likely to position themselves on these rights, which could drive up the bidding and complicate the profitability calculations that the group intends to place at the heart of its decision.